BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Taken: Five Fates [2]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Amy McKinley to talk about Taken (6 June 2016, Champagne Books, 240 pages), a Paranormal Romance, book two of the Five Fates series.

"The book is complex and detailed and very well constructed and edited. That makes it a joy to read. [...] Taken is unique. In a world jam-packed with paranormal romance, this one stands alone." - Long And Short Reviews

"Taken can be read stand alone, but continues in the same world as book 1 (Hidden). This is Layla's story of how she handles the fates curse placed on her and her sisters when they were born. I loved Layla's backstory and learning why she is the way she is-it was nicely done and played well into current events. The end leaves you wanting more from the series without the frustrating cliff. Another win for Amy McKinley!" - Amazon Verified Purchase, Five Stars.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome back to Amy McKinley; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

To begin, Amy has shared with us her music playlist for Taken - enjoy

"Some of the songs I used in Hidden found their way into Taken’s playlist. Not all of them, but a few managed to."

What compelled you to write this particular story (i.e. the one you are currently promoting)?

"Taken is the second book in the Five Fates Series. Layla was the loudest sister after Jade and not only was I compelled to write about her, I wanted to. This seems to happen when I’m about three-fourths of the way through, another character or plot demands to be heard and I know that will be next.

One of the storylines for Layla’s story came to me when I was driving through the fog. It was murky and as the mist lifted, dreamy pockets of green grass and trees with a glimmer of a pond were revealed. That moment was the connection I needed where Thaull, and several other plot points, clicked into place."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Layla is entirely fictional but lives large in my head. To be able to craft the swords she does would be pretty cool but that’s not a skill I possess."

That would be cool!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book?

"I don’t know if it’s the most surprising, but it was definitely interesting. I have some friends who lived in Scotland. Layla’s home is situated in Glen Coe, Scotland. While talking with them I was informed there is a big difference between Glencoe and Glen Coe.

Learning the history and the tragedy that happened in the glen so long ago was heartbreaking. Connecting the haunting beauty of the area to Layla, even in a small way, was something I definitely wanted to do."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Taken - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Champagne Books assigned Trisha FitzGerald as the cover artist for Taken. I was excited to hear she had been chosen as she also created the cover for Hidden.

Prior to the cover design, I filled out my cover art request form with images to represent Layla’s home in Scotland. The thoughts and ideas I submit are taken into consideration and the publisher then approves the ultimate design. I was very happy when I saw the end result and how Taken’s cover fits into the series."

Why should we read Taken and the Five Fates series; what sets it apart from the rest?

"The Five Fates Series contains portions of mythology with a unique twist, stories that unfold all on their own. Each book features a sister who must break free from the Fates’ curse. No journey is the same. There is action, danger, strength in adversity, romance, and always a happily ever after."

Who would you recommend Taken to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to people who enjoy adult paranormal romance, mythology, and action with an HEA. "

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

"Time. We have a very busy family and during the summer it’s all about finding blocks of uninterrupted time where I don’t have to drive someone to sports, work, classes, or a friend’s house.

Summers are my biggest challenge and every year going into them I think I will do it different: work from a rough draft and just edit, write the rough draft from a completed outline, or only work on outlining. I haven’t found the answer yet. :-)

There are many other challenges, but I think juggling time management, social media, and marketing are my biggest ones."

What is in store next?

"I’ve just completed a YA ancient Greek romance. That one dragged me out of my bed and would not let me sleep until I wrote down the entire plot line.

Now that it’s completed, the third book in the Fates series is clamoring to be heard. Eos is doing what she does (no spoilers, lol) and I’m happily working away. All the while, I have three other books percolating."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I adore cats and have three. Two are females and one male. I keep telling my husband we need another one to round out the number. Sadly, he says no. I have no idea how he does it with all five of us bombarding him with pictures and videos of kittens and cats. Although, if he didn’t keep us in check we’d have a houseful! Not sure if that’d be such a bad thing? :p"